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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
35 views

Multimedia 2

Uploaded by

Edward Chirwa
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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BICT3205

Computer Graphics and


Multimedia
Mr. J.Mdaopa
Introduction to Computer Graphics

Computer graphics involves the creation,


manipulation, and representation of visual images
and graphics using computers.
Interactive vs Non Interactive computer
graphics
 Interactive computer graphics allow users to actively
engage with and manipulate visual content in real-time.

 Users can interact with objects, change viewpoints, apply


transformations, and control various parameters to modify
the displayed graphics dynamically.
Characteristics
 Real time interaction
Interactive graphics respond to user input instantaneously, allowing users
to see the effects of their actions immediately.

 User control
Users have control over the viewing perspective, object manipulation,
and other aspects of the graphics through input devices such as
keyboards, mice, touchscreens, or specialized controllers.

 Feedback loop
Interactive graphics often involve a feedback loop where user input triggers
changes in the displayed graphics, which in turn influences the user's successive
actions.
Examples
 Video games: Players can control characters, navigate
environments, and interact with objects in real-time.

 Interactive simulations: Users can manipulate parameters


and observe how changes affect the simulated
environment or system.
Non interactive computer graphics
 Non-interactive computer graphics involve pre-rendered
visual content that does not respond to user input or
change dynamically during playback.

 Users passively view the graphics without the ability to


modify or interact with them in real-time.
characteristics
 Pre rendered content
Non-interactive graphics are generated offline or in advance, typically
using rendering software, and stored as static images, videos, or
animations.

 Users can view the pre-rendered graphics but cannot alter them or
influence their presentation during playback.

 Limited interactivity
While non-interactive graphics may include some degree of interactivity
(e.g., pausing, rewinding, or skipping frames in a video), this
interactivity is limited and predetermined.
Examples
 Pre-rendered animations: Animated movies, commercials,
and visual effects sequences are created offline and
played back without user interaction.

 Pre-recorded videos: Videos captured with cameras or


generated with animation software are played back
without user intervention.
Applications of Computer Graphics
 Entertainment
Example: video games, animation, virtual reality
 Design and visualization
Example: product design, graphic design
 Science and research
 Communication and marketing
 Education and training
Computer graphics hardware
 Computer graphics hardware refers to the physical components of a computer
system that are dedicated to processing and displaying graphical images.
These include;
 Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): The GPU is the primary component
responsible for rendering graphics on a computer. It consists of specialized
processing units designed to perform complex mathematical calculations
required for rendering 2D and 3D graphics. Modern GPUs also incorporate
dedicated hardware for tasks like geometry processing, shading,
texturing, and rasterization.

 Display devices: Devices like monitors, screens, and projectors, are


essential for visualizing the graphical output generated by the GPU.
Different types of display technologies, such as LCD, LED, OLED, and
projection systems, offer various resolutions, color depths, refresh rates,
and viewing angles to suit different applications.
Computer graphics hardware cont’
 Graphics Memory (VRAM): also known as video RAM (VRAM), is a type of
memory dedicated to storing graphical data, including textures, frame
buffers, and rendering buffers. VRAM is essential for providing fast access to
graphical data and accelerating rendering performance, especially in high-
resolution and high-fidelity graphics applications.

 Input Devices: such as keyboards, mice, graphics tablets, and touchscreens,


enable users to interact with graphical applications by providing input data,
such as keyboard strokes, mouse movements, gestures, and pen pressure.
These input devices facilitate user interaction and control in graphical
interfaces, design applications, and virtual environments.
Computer Graphics software
 Computer graphics software comprises the applications, libraries, and tools
used to create, edit, manipulate, and render graphical images. The software
components include:

 Graphics Editors: such as Adobe Photoshop and CorelDRAW, provide tools


for creating and editing raster and vector graphics. These applications
allow users to manipulate images, draw shapes, apply filters and effects,
and adjust colors and compositions

 3D Modeling and Animation software: such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, and


3ds Max, enable users to create and animate 3D objects and scenes.
These applications provide tools for modeling, texturing, rigging,
animating, and rendering 3D assets for use in games, films, architectural
visualization, and product design.
Computer graphics software cont’
 Computer Aided Design (CAD) software: such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks are used
for creating detailed technical drawings and designs for engineering,
architecture, and manufacturing applications. These applications enable users
to design and visualize complex 2D and 3D models, perform simulations, and
generate engineering documentation.

 Rendering engines: such as V-Ray, Arnold, and Unreal Engine, are software
libraries or frameworks used to generate photorealistic images from 3D scene
data. These engines employ advanced rendering techniques, including ray
tracing, global illumination, and physically-based rendering, to simulate the
behavior of light and materials accurately.
Computer Graphics pipeline
 These are steps involved in creating computer generated images and
animation. These include;
 Modeling: is creating 3D representations of objects, characters,
environments, etc., using specialized software tools like Autodesk Maya,
Blender. It involves defining shapes, forms and structure of objects.
 Texturing and Materials: Texturing is the process of adding surface details
and properties to 3D object while materials defines how an object
responds to light.
 Lighting: it involves simulating how light interacts with surfaces in a scene
to create realistic illumination.
 Animation and Simulation: Animation involves creating movement and
behavior for objects, characters while simulation involves realistic physics
and dynamics.
 Rendering: is the process of generating an image or video from a 2D or 3D
model.
Some key concepts in computer graphics
 Pixel (picture element): Pixels are the smallest individual elements of an
image on a screen. Each pixel contains color information and contributes to
the overall appearance of the image.
 Resolution: resolution of an image refers to the number of pixels it contains,
typically measured pixels per inch (PPI)
 Vectors: vectors are mathematical objects represented by arrays of numbers
that describe quantities such as position, direction. Vectors are commonly
used to represent points, lines, and transformations in 3D space.
 Matrices: are rectangular arrays of numbers used to perform transformations
and calculations in computer graphics. Matrices are used extensively to
represent transformations such as translation, rotation, scaling, and
projection.
Concepts cont’
 Geometry and Topology: Geometry refers to the mathematical representation
of shapes and objects in space. In computer graphics, geometric primitives
such as points, lines, and polygons are used to construct 3D models.
topology refers to the spatial relationships between geometric elements. It
defines how vertices, edges, and faces are connected to form surfaces and solid
objects.

 Color theory :studies the principles and properties of colors, including hue,
saturation, brightness, and color mixing. It explores how colors are perceived,
combined, and reproduced in visual media.

 Color palettes are predefined sets of colors used in computer graphics to


create visually appealing and harmonious designs. Palettes can be created
manually or generated algorithmically and are often used to define the color
scheme of an image or interface
Concepts cont’
 Rendering algorithms are computational techniques used to generate
2D images or animations from 3D scenes. Common rendering
algorithms include ray tracing, rasterization, and global illumination.
Career paths
 3D modelling and animation: creating 3D models, animations for
various industries
 Visual effects: creating visual effects for films, TV shows, and
commercials.
 Game development: creating games for PCs, consoles and mobile
devices
 Scientific visualization: visualizing and analysing complex data for
scientific research and education.

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